Non categorizzato - Movimento dei Focolari

Sierra Leone, beyond Ebola

23 Sep 2014 | Non categorizzato

Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia. Nations that rarely appear in western newspapers were associated over the last months to ebola. These countries in fact are those that have been most struck by what has been defined as the most serious outbreak of the viral outbreak since its discovery in 1976. «After the unending suffering due to the war, we are now again being put to the test with this ebola outbreak. There is a growing fear, but also the awareness that by taking the necessary measures – at times going against the nature and culture of the population, like staying in isolation – we can fight this virus. Everywhere the Church is trying to bring its help, as a sign of concrete love to all,” they wrote us from Sierra Leone. The suffering these days is the acuteness of the quarantine the population is asked to comply with: staying at home to stem the risk of contamination. According to the World Health Organisation (report of 18 September) out of over 5,000 cases, more than 2,600 were victims of the virus that causes hemorrhagic fever. «They say we have to be prudent – a religious close to the Focolari said in June – at Mass we don’t even give each other the sign of peace to avoid contacts, but it is difficult to say precisely where the danger lies. Even we in the Catholic hospital had a suspected case who escaped from the hospital specialised in ebola at Kenema, and who came here to be treated without our doctors being informed. You can therefore imagine the anxiety in all of us. Also the meetings of the Focolare community have to be suspended, as also the activities programmed with the youth. We have started a chain of mutual support: phone calls, messages. To say what? “To stress our firm will to continue loving, and now we all have to bear the test once again.” In a letter to the members of the Focolari Movement in Sierra Leone, the President, Maria Voce, wrote to encourage all «to go ahead with courage, to bear witness to the Ideal of unity in all ways possible» and to thank them for their example «which is generating in your land many signs of brotherhood». She also ensured furthermore, of the support and prayers of the Movement throughout the world. «Personally, I try to remain faithful to the commitment and promise to continue living the Ideal of unity also here in Sierra Leone», J.K. confided, on expressing also her pain in having to suspend all the contacts, but also that she is finding support in the Word of Life, the commitment to live the Gospel that brings light even in the most desperate situations, like this. E Alfred wrote: «As you know, the situation here in Sierra Leone is bad. It is difficult for us not to be able to go out. But this will not stop me, but rather, it urges me to live the Gospel more. I am trying to live every moment for Jesus, offering all to Him during the day. To be faithful to the Gospel is still my deepest desire. Thank you for all the love you have for us Gen in Sierra Leone. We feel that you are here with us. ». To conclude, Fr. Carlo, is thanking everyone for taking to heart also “this corner of the world,” when it seems that all around us “fear, anxiety, inactivity and at times disappointment that the authorities are so slow in helping the people” seems to take the upper hand. But slowly we are discovering that all these aspects are the image of Jesus crucified and abandoned and it is then that we start again to love. And this love seems to be newer and deeper. »

Focolari Assembly: a journey towards tangible unity

19 Sep 2014 | Non categorizzato

Heinrich Walter, President of Schönstatt with Jesús Moran.

Representative of other Christian movements, brothers and sisters of various religious faiths and agnostics: some travelled far to participate in this afternoon’s event, such as Emily Soloff from Chicago, a member of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) who cancelled other appointments in order to attend, as she saw the importance of the event, and likewise, Fr. Heinrich Walter, President of the Schönstatt Presidium. Also Jurif Pismak from Russia, a friend who professes non-religious beliefs made it easily to the Congress Hall of Castel Gandolfo, where the Focolari Assembly is being held (1-28 September). This is a testimonial of a journey that traces way back to the past, and which has come to uphold its belief that: “In a assembly like ours which looks to the future, firmly rooted to its source, such an event, such a memorable afternoon could not be missed. Together with all of you we are ever more true to our own calling,” were the closing remarks of Jesús Moran, the newly elected Focolare Movement’s Co-President.

Maria Voce with Gerard Pross, leader of a network of over 100 evangelical movemements.

All present speak in the name of a vaster network of dialogue, “which we consider a true support for the construction of universal brotherhood,” Maria Voce affirmed. In the “Together for Europe” organisation, for example, there are more than 300 Christian movements, bound to each other by a pact of unity which “unites the spiritual and ‘politics’ and breaks down the barriers to work for peace,” declared Gérard Testard, French, and past President of Fondácio. Also present were the founding members who had started this journey with Chiara Lubich years ago: Thomas Römer of the Ymca of Munich and Gerhard Pross, head of a network of over 100 evangelical movements; Cesare Zucconi and Valeria Martano of the Comunity of Sant’Egidio, on their return from Antwerp where the 28^th international meeting for peace in the spirit of Assisi was held, conveyed the greetings of Andrea Riccardi. Together they encouraged the Focolari to continue living in a more forceful manner, this ideal of brotherhood. From the Orient came the best wishes of the Buddhist monks of the Teravada tradition of Thailand, and the Japanese members of the Risho-Kosei Kai.

Inter-religious delegation (Christina Lee, Mustafa Cenape, Shahrzad Houshmand, Adnane Mokrani, Hiromasa Tanaka, Katsuotishi Mizumo)

Together, as players of dialogue, is the vision that emerged from the testimonials of the Muslim friends, Dr. Adnane Mokrani, and Professor Shahrzad Houshmand, Iranian theologian, who shared her experience with Chiara Lubich: “I learned from her the force of universal faith which touches the hearts of all believers, also those of Muslims.” We are dealing with a “new evangelization which works not only for the formal conversion of hearts, but for the deep conversion of souls.” The theologian also launched an appeal to the Focolari Assembly which will be received by the Pope on 26 September: to convey to Pope Francis our support in the effort to stop the tragedies being perpetrated, for “the blood of Jesus is still being spilt today.” Another distinctive stretch of the dialogue: life. This was underlined by Emily Soloff, an American Jew. “I see an assembly infused with life. For me the dialogue with the Jews, Muslims, Buddhists in the Focolare has always been a dialogue of life,” which begins with the experience of each one, mutual understanding taking precedence over the theological, doctrinal and philosophical aspects. “I have always been struck” – specified Lisa Palmieri Billig, also an American, and member of the Jewish Committee – “by your idea of being the first to go towards the others to offer love. You give empathy, and a concrete remedy to the rampant hatred in today’s society.” “Chiara Lubich had understood, from the very start, that unity is built with the others and not against the others, and that she could not let aside the other half of the world which does not profess any religious faith,” were the words of Luciana Scalacci, an agnostic, who declared that she was “lucky to have been invited to the Assembly.” In these weeks she took part in fact, in the various work sessions. She also encouraged all, in remembrance of Chiara, to always keep in mind the other cultures. 20140919-05

The various interventions were “precious pearls that enrich the heritage we have all received,” affirmed Maria Voce. A heritage we have “to safeguard together and multiply for the benefit of humanity,” she stressed – just before the election of the new directors of the Focolari Movement – since this is a journey we have to undertake together. And concluded with an image: “Chiara’s embrace which reaches out to all, and leads all towards God, an embrace made visible today, due to the presence of all of you here.”

Living the Gospel by serving

19 Sep 2014 | Non categorizzato

images Gambling “Every time my husband gambled there was an argument in the house. Thanks to the relationships I had built with the people at the community centre where I do the cleaning, I would return home with some new strength for facing problems. One day a group was reading the Gospel and talking about loving their enemies. I thought of my husband and how I was always arguing with him, so I tried to have a different view towards him. As months went by something also changed in him. One day he found himself in a fight over the game. He was about to kill his adversary when that small change that had begun in him prevented him from doing it. Since he didn’t want to be living a double life, he also gave up gambling.” A.R.- Philippines Waiting for retirement “As I wait for my retirement letter, I’m gradually handing things over to my colleagues. I’m nearly finished and the letter hasn’t arrived and I don’t really have any specific work to do. What to do? Every day I have to invent some new job: first it’s taking care of those old papers that I never had time to look at; then there are those situatioins that were left hanging until I could speak to people in other offices. . . Then there was that colleague who had to stay home with her sick children. When she returned I helped her to catch up with her work. In other words, there’s never a lack of things to do and the time left before retirement isn’t a time of rest, but an opportunity to live every moment well. I remember the period, just after I began working, when I discovered that the words of the Gospel could not only be read and examined, but lived, and this gave meaning to everything I did. Now I feel that the same enthusiasm should accompany me in this new period of my life.” E.P.-Italy Free of charge Where we live money seems to be the most important thing in most families, often taking the place of more genuine values. But for those who believe in the Gospel and strive to live it, initiatives are born that no one would ever have imagined. For example, when our family group was asked to be involved in volunteer service, to contribute to the construction of a rehabilitatioin centre for the handicapped, the offer was enthusiastically accepted by all. We began by uprooting plants and cutting grass to prepare the terrain. The people in the area were surprised to see us working so hard and free of charge. Doing things free of charge is practically unheard of, since we have always been so accustomed to receiving.” A. C.-Democratic Republic of Congo

Albania, awaiting Pope Francis

18 Sep 2014 | Non categorizzato

20140918-03 “Next Sunday, with God’s help I shall visit Albania. I decided to visit this country which has usffered so much due to a terrible atheist regime and which is now creating a peaceful coexistence between its various religious components (…) I ask you all to accompany me with your prayers (…)”. Pope Francis reminded the faithful of his apostolic journey on 21September during the Wednesday audience, and with these words summarised the dual purpose of the “flash visit:” remembrance and dialogue, in a country which after 50 years of a painful dictatorship is now living a fruitful season of dialogue and interreligious cooperation, albeit in serious social and economic conditions of poverty and unemployment. The Catholic and Orthodox minorities (which together constitute about 26% of the population, besides a big group of various evangelical Churches) maintain good ecumenical relationships between themselves and with the Muslim majority. Because of this the Pope wishes to help the Church and humanity reflect on this successful interreligious cooperation while terror and violence continue to rage in the Middle East. Also in Albania there is a Focolari community which is actively involved in the preparations for this visit, with great joy and expectation. There are about 200 people of all ages and vocations. There are Catholics, Orthodox and also Muslim members, many of whom, are young, and who attended the Mariapolis, the typical annual gathering of the Focolari. “Recentely the community undertook ecologic activities, an aspect which is disregarded in our country, – of the focolarine un Tirana said. We are trying to communicate a culture of respect for the environment. During the last Mariapolis held in a city by the sea, we dedicated half a day to the clearing of the beach, On another occasion we cleaned a big park in the capital and repainted the garbage bins in another green area.” 20140917-02 Also the New Families Movement and the Youth for Unity supported us from afar with around 60 children with the Schoolmates campaign, which paid for the studies of a group of young boys and girls. “The Pontiff’s arrival is a historic event for our country –Nikoleta explained, – and we are infinitely grateful for having chosen usa s the first among the Balkan countries. He is coming to strengthen our faith in the Albanese Church and the message of peace which is an expression of his support, is of utmost importance for all of us. Reegjina referred that this month there has been a great preparation in the parishes and communities with meetings to help us get to go in depth in Pope Francis’ ideas, and moments of prayer and collection of financial contributions to support the event. We each gave whatever we could. Donika, a freelance journalist, affirmed that this visit is important not only for the Catholics but also for people of other religions, “or for those, like me, who do not refer to any religious faith, The values the Pope brings are universal, with no exception as to race, nation or belief. He has a big, great heart which tends to build up man rather than convert him and offers hope. This is the most important gift the Pope is offering to Albania.”

Jesús Morán Cepedano

17 Sep 2014 | Non categorizzato

Jesús Morán Cepedano was elected co-president of the Focolare Movement on 13 September 2014, by the General Assembly convened at the Mariapolis Centre of Castel Gandolfo, Rome. He was born on 25 December 1957 in Navalperales de Pinares, Avila (Spain), of a merchant family that soon moved to Cercedilla, on the Sierra of Madrid. Shortly after beginning university he met the Gospel message brought by the Focolare Movement through the witness of some of his peers. He immediately threw himself into this new experience and the revolutionary demands that the life of the Gospel entails. He decided to give himself to God in the Focolare community in 1977. After a training period between 1979-1981 in Loppiano, Italy, he crossed the ocean to South America. From 1996 to 2004 he was the delegate of the Focolare Movement in Chile and Bolivia. He was ordained a priest there on 21 December 2002. From 2004 to 2008 he was co-responsible for the movement in Mexico and Cuba. In the General Assembly of the Focolare Movement in 2008 he was elected general councillor and given responsibility for the cultural formation of the members of the Movement. In 2009 he became part of the ” Abba School “, the Focolare Movement’s interdisciplinary study centre, for his expertise in theological anthropology and moral theology. He has a degree in philosophy from the Autonoma University of Madrid and a licence in dogmatic theology from the Pontifical Catholic University of Santiago of Chile. He is currently completing his doctorate in theology at the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome. He has published various articles on Philosophical and Theological Anthropology.

First Paraguay EoC Conference

17 Sep 2014 | Non categorizzato

The conference concluded on September 7^th in Asuncion. It was the first Paraguayan EoC conference, although it also included EoC business owners fromArgentina for whom it coincided with the 34^th annual spring meeting of the Argentine EoC. The conference focused on the figure of the business owner who embraces the Economy of Communion Project. In one Skype link-up international project coordinator, Luigino Bruni, said that an EoC business owner is someone who chooses poverty.” Strong words that could seem to imply that wealth, or better, being well off and the EoC were incompatible. But German Jorge from Parana, Argentina, who owns a building materials distribution centre with 60 employees explained: “EoC business owners suffer because of poverty; otherwise, they wouldn’t be EoC people. They are not immune from poverty, but make it their choice in life and bring it into the business.” German went on to say: “In a capitalist economy the object of the business is to generate wealth. In our case generating wealth is a sign that that things are going well, but it is not the goal. The goal is communion, and the process itself is communion and we are regenerated as business people. And so the business is not a money-making machine, but a community of people.” Such a business style is successful and convincing, as the story of Ramon Cervino from Cordoba shows. He is the owner of a medical equipment company. He stated that the distinctive feature of a company with an EoC business owner was the choice of open communications across the board within that company. This does not put the poor before the company, but uncovers, accepts and embraces the diversity and need of the other. Many testimonies were offered by business owners who have embraced the EoC project, such as the story of a hairdresser, a shopkeeper and a street vendor who created micro-businesses with their families that turned them into stimulating examples of hard work and determination. There was also the story of a large Paraguayan company like Todo Brillo that was visited by the members of the conference. Todo Brillo is a leading company in the field of cleaning products, with more than 600 employees. It was begun thanks to the decision of Maria Elena to decline an offer as director of a prestigious bank. With her children she launched into the new venture, setting aside all the advantages and comforts connected with the previous offer. “We decided on this project in order to offer employment to people who were unable to go to school. For very many of them we are their only opportunity to become inserted in the working world.” They now return to their businesses more strengthened and committed to creating an economy that is more human and fraternal.